Norris airs McLaren concern as new season looms

Lando Norris fears McLaren is still a "long way" behind Red Bull and Ferrari following pre-testing in Bahrain.

The Briton finished 14th on the timesheet on the final day after driving the car in the morning session, with McLaren showing consistent times throughout the three days.

Norris believes the continuation of the team's car concept from last year has put it in a good position for this season, but still expects its main rivals to be quicker out of the box.

"We had a decent car at the end of last season, and I think we've definitely taken some steps in the right direction," Norris told media, including RacingNews365.

"But I think we're still quite a long way behind Red Bull and a long way behind for Ferrari.

Norris: We're in the best position we've been for four years

McLaren started last year miserably after revealing it had failed to meet its pre-season targets before failing to finish two of the first three races with both cars.

But Norris at least expects the team's preparations this year to pay off in the opening grands prix of the campaign.

"Definitely coming into this season, this test, and this year, [we're] on the right foot for once," he said. "I don't think we've done that at all in the last three, four years.

"We've come in attacking a bit more with various things, rather than not being sure if this (the car) is going to be ready, or we don't think we've maximised this area and that area. I think we've come in with much more knowledge and expertise and just a much better car to start the season off with.

"I'm excited and have been since the very beginning, properly starting the year in a good position and then seeing how we can transform things because I think we obviously did a very good job with that last year."